Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I may be considered as one of the old Londoner’s as I have been in this country for 30 years now. During this time, I was involved in commercial business activities as well as working in NGO (Non-Governmental Organizations) for the last 15 years. Within this framework, I have been in management of TBCCI (Turkish-British Chamber of Commerce) as a co-chairman. However I found TBCCI to be restrictive as a NGO to implement some of my ideas. I therefore decided to establish Turkish Forum UK with contributions from a group of close friends. With their support, TFUK was formally launched in January 2003.

  In your opinion, what is the biggest problem in UK Turkish Community when looked within a socio-cultural context?

The biggest problem is of course the inability of our compatriots coming from different backgrounds to carry out joint projects. Being disjointed we may call it. There are some coherent efforts on political, ethnical and regional grounds. But these feelings or attitudes coming from a common regional-ethnical-political background divides us instead of unifying. I personally prefer a “Turkish” association here instead of a “Pekunluler” association who has about 4000 members. We are all from “Turkey” here

  How do you believe the UK Turkish community will integrate into the British society without loosing its culture and values?

We have examples ahead of us. There is a Jewish as well as Armenian and Greek community here. There are African, Indian and Pakistani minorities. They have done this. They have integrated into society but did not loose their identities or were not assimilated. Moreover, they gained some degree of respect thanks to their characteristics. I think same would be valid for us. However, this is one of our aspects that need improvement. Integration into British society on one hand without any compromise from your identity on the other hand. This has been done; we should learn and implement it. We see UK as our second motherland but we do not want to loose our culture and characteristics. In the contrary, we want to contribute to the UK mosaic with them.

  What do you think about weekend schools?

I think Turkish education in weekend schools are the product of an incredible effort by a small group of Turkish and Cypriot people. I respect them highly, they need to be supported. They persevere to do something under very difficult circumstances. They are making big sacrifices. Amongst them I have friends who dedicated themselves to this cause. I highly esteem them and I hope we would have more resources and means to support.

  The EU constitution was rejected by two important member states, France and Holland. What are your views about this? How will this effect Turkey?

At the end of the day, it is more important for us to reach European standards in Turkey than being a member of EU. This would be a big achievement for Turkey and it will be beneficial for us whether we are accepted to EU or not. If we enter EU, this will be like a bonus. But even if we can not enter, higher standards will make our fellow citizens life more comfortable and civilised.

I believe in entrepreneurial spirit of Turkish people. Turkey is a beautiful country with a huge tourism potential. We have unprocessed mineral resources. We also have a young and educated population. Considering our entrepreneurial spirit, I think Turkey’s road is wide.

  The Turkish Fest organised last year by TFUK, would you tell us how it was last year, what were the achievements?

We believe that despite all our inexperience, we managed to produce something beyond our own expectations. Let me explain you a little memoir of mine. We worked with an awesome tempo. Especially in the last 1-2 months we worked 7 days a week 15-18 hours a day. After all this we had the festival but after surpassing some gigantic problems. The morning after the festival, I came to office but I could barely walk due to fatigue. Suddenly, e-mails and telephones congratulating us started to come in at an incredible rate. It was such an emotional moment but I started to cry. These ware teardrops of happiness, first time in my life. Then one of my close friends called but I could not talk, this was one of the nicest moments in my life.

  How would it be this year?

Last year contributors faced a workload that could not be anticipated. No body knew what would happen, including us. We had some hopes and expectations of course but we were not sure. Then people came, saw the events and were satisfied. That’s why we do not have problems in finding voluntary workers this year. People who helped the organisation last year as well as new people are willing to contribute this year. Last year the event was broadcasted to nearly 2 million e-mails acquired through organizations that we supported; namely Help-a-London-child and Tourism Office. This year we are expanding the festival area by %20 and we plan to have a “Mehter” (traditional Ottoman military music band) concert as well. I think this will be their UK debut.